From Thomas Merton, regarding the nation: "this is a case where, in spite of evidence, one must continue to hope. One must not give in to defeatism and despair, just as one must hope for life in a mortal illness which has been declared incurable. "
The thing about Hope is that it must be allowed to change our perspective on outcomes. The example of life in spite of an incurable illness is perfect. Life can be lived in spite of that illness. It can be a full and beautiful life with love and laughter and dreams realized. The change in outcome is that it will not be a life lived over an extended period of time, which is what we have come to expect. The life will be truncated. But Hope should not be allowed to flee in spite of that reality. In looking at the state of the nation, and having a long list of human and political concerns, one must never lose hope. Our way of being may be changed when the new president is elected, but accepting the defeat of our nation can never be an option. We must continue our daily work of creating the reality we desire. I believe the only way to create these realities is to hold on to Hope just as tightly as anything we can possibly hold in life. Without it, we are lost in darkness. Perspectives must be allowed to change. To me, this is a sign of growth. It may feel like we are moving backward; like we are losing ground; like our great nation is going to hell in a hand bag... It its moments like these that I think hope and hard work are the most essential.
We could be on the precipice of greatness, for all we know. After all, controlled burns are used all the time to help grow the most beautiful of landscapes.
